That's how midfielder Dax McCarty put it, and he's not far off. The Red Bulls have won just one game in the past month. After a tough 3-0 loss to Real Salt Lake last Saturday, the team went out and acquired Stephane Auvray on Friday from Sporting Kansas City for a 2013 second-round draft pick.

The midfielder arrived quickly and saw time in tonight's 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fire, subbing in 60th minute and staying on the field the rest of the way. He could be an important piece down the stretch.

When asked about the Red Bulls' chances of the playoffs, Auvray said: "It's my team now, so of course we deserve to go to the playoffs."

But it's easier said than done. The Red Bulls have found the back of the net just seven times in their last nine games. Auvray will help shore up the midfield, which has gradually changed throughout the season. Earlier in the year, the team acquired McCarty from D.C. United for forward Dwayne de Rosario, so McCarty knows what it's like to be in Auvray's shoes.

"It's obviously tough to get to know your teammates when guys are coming and going," McCarty said. "But it's part of the trade, part of the profession. Ideally, you'd like to have time to gel and be able to play together and get to know each other. We're professionals; we've got good players. I just think we haven't come out with the right mentality."

It may take some more time to get Auvray into the fold. He didn't even have time to train with the team before entering tonight's game, and he had only played in six games this season with Sporting Kansas City.

He did, however, see time on the international stage. Auvray served as the captain for Guadaloupe in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. His team lost three games and was eliminated, the last of those losses coming against the United States.

Coach Hans Backe said he saw in Auvray's play in the Gold Cup and called him a "good footballer." And Auvray's new teammates know what he can bring to the table.

McCarty compared him to teammate Teemu Tainio, saying, "he's hard-nosed. He's a defensive midfielder. He's good in the tackle. He's good with the ball. I think he'll bring some depth to our team."

And Thierry Henry, who seemed frustrated after the game, said he's hopeful Auvray can help the team moving forward.

"It's always difficult (joining a new team). He didn't even train with us," Henry said. "But you could see his desire. It's not too easy to come in, especially when we're losing, but we'll see"

Ideally, Auvray serves as a cog in the midfield, and the team clicks down the stretch. Only time will tell if the best-case scenario falls into place, especially considering this was his first game.

Auvray himself knows it won't come easy, but he is up for it.

"I hope (the fans) are satisfied with what I will do, and most importantly what the team will do," Auvray said. "It's a good challenge to come and play for the Red Bulls."